Cheers! Pubs and restaurants scoop top industry prizes

Paul Barnett of Newby Castleman with Sean Hope and Ben Jones of The Olive Branch. EMN-140414-182052001

Published:09:00Sunday 20 April 2014

Staff at pubs and restaurants across the area have been raising a glass to mark their success.

The Horse and Jockey in Manton, The Olive Branch in Clipsham, The Marquess of Exeter in Uppingham, and the Horseshoe in Thurlby are all celebrating a number of top industry awards.

The Marquess of Exeter has been named the central region’s Best Pub Accomodation in the Marston’s Pub of the Year Awards.

Head of housekeeping at the pub Brian Baker said: “We’re thrilled to have won this award. It’s good to know that Marston’s think so highly of us, but we always strive hard to keep our standards as high as possible.”

The Horseshoe was also recognised in the Marston’s awards, as it was crowned the southern region’s Best Community Food Pub. The pub offers classic pub food with traditional favourites.

Licensee Adam Weeks said: “I’m really pleased to have finally won.

“We’ve been runner up in different categories twice before, so it’s great to actually win it this time.”

Both pubs go through to the next stage of judging against national winners and six will be invited to the grand final on June 5 where a winner will be given the converted crown of Pub of the Year 2014.

The Horse and Jockey has been named as a finalist in the Tourism Pub of the Year category of the prestigious VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2014. It will now compete at the awards ceremony on May 12.

Operations manager Richard Page said: “We are thrilled to be in the top five pubs for England.”

The Olive Branch has been named the Good Pub Guide’s Pub of the Year 2014. Owners Sean Hope and Ben Jones have thanked their accountants Newby Castleman for their success.